Of all insect species, the honey bee is perhaps the most beneficial. There is, of course, honey; about 200 million pounds of it is is produced commercially each year. But the honey bee makes its greatest contribution by pollinating plants. More than one half of all fruit and vegetable crops are pollinated by honey bees. Wasps contribute by preying on many pest insects harmful to crops. Without bees and wasps, our menu would be very limited. Unfortunately, bees and wasps can be a threat to human health. Each year 50 to 100 people die from bee and wasp stings. Most die from an allergic reaction to venom within one hour of the sting.

Notes:

Caption title. "09/04"--Colophon. "Illustrations courtesy of University of Missouri and IconBAZAAR."